Cranberry Orange Chicken is a deliciously unique dish that combines the sweet and tart flavors of cranberries with the citrusy freshness of orange. This simple yet flavorful chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. With a rich, slightly sweet sauce that coats the perfectly browned chicken, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cranberry Orange Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the tang of cranberries and the brightness of fresh orange zest. It’s quick to make, requiring only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a simple yet festive holiday meal. The sauce adds a burst of flavor, and the chicken stays tender and juicy, making this dish both satisfying and packed with delicious flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, orange zest, and honey in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour the cranberry-orange sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Variations
- Add veggies: Sauté some onions, bell peppers, or spinach in the skillet before adding the chicken for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
- Dried cranberries: Use dried cranberries in place of cranberry sauce for a different texture and a more intense sweetness.
- Herb variations: Add some fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for a more aromatic flavor.
- Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so feel free to serve it with a side of rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken and sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. Simmer them with a bit of sugar and orange juice to make a homemade cranberry sauce.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, heat the chicken and sauce in a skillet for 5-7 minutes.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work great in this recipe and may provide a richer flavor.
4. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
5. Can I make this recipe with other meats?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey for a different twist on the recipe.
6. Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Yes, bottled orange juice works fine if you don’t have fresh oranges on hand.
7. How can I thicken the sauce more?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes or add a small cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) to thicken.
8. Can I add more sweetness to the sauce?
If you want a sweeter sauce, you can add a bit more honey or maple syrup to taste.
9. Can I serve this with rice or potatoes?
Yes, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
10. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you will need to thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
Cranberry Orange Chicken is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s quick, easy, and full of bright citrus and cranberry goodness that complements the tender chicken. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a festive meal, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy this simple yet flavorful meal!
Print
Cranberry Orange Chicken
Cranberry Orange Chicken is a delicious, quick-to-make dish that combines the sweet-tart flavors of cranberries and the bright citrusy zest of orange with tender chicken. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or any special occasion, this flavorful dish comes together in just 20 minutes. With a savory cranberry-orange sauce and a juicy chicken base, it’s an easy and impressive meal the whole family will love.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until browned and fully cooked.
- While the chicken is cooking, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, orange zest, and honey in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Once chicken is cooked, pour the cranberry-orange sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add extra vegetables by sautéing onions, bell peppers, or spinach before adding the chicken.
- Spice it up by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the cranberry-orange sauce.
- Use dried cranberries instead of cranberry sauce for a different texture.
- For added aromatics, throw in some fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Pan-seared, Simmered
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
